Should elementary schools still have recess?

Elementary School Memory Test- Going back in time (Photo credit: gb_packards)

Some schools in the Houston ISD don’t, and the kids’ parents are not happy.

According to the Houston Chronicle, “Upset that some principals have shortened recess or eliminated it amid academic pressure, the parents have asked the Houston ISD to mandate the free playtime for 30 minutes a day in all elementary schools.

” … Texas law doesn’t mandate recess but says elementary school students must get at least 135 minutes a week – or 27 minutes a day – of physical activity. That can include regular physical education classes or recess, as long as it is structured.”

Whaddya think about that?

— Is recess an outmoded concept, or is it still needed for young students?

— Would organized PE classes be better than unstructured play?

— Do you think kids actually get much exercise at recess?

— Should students be allowed to choose between recess and, say, time in the library?

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